Friday, October 31, 2008

Text Analysis- Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

--Who is writing?The writer of this primary document is Patrick Henry, an upset colonist who was trying to get his voice out there.

--Who is the audience?The audience of the document is mostly the king, or "President" as Patrick Henry calls him, and the colonists.

--Who do the writers represent?The writer is representing a man who thinks more highly of patriotism that any man. He really knows what he wants and is trying to persuade others of his position. In my opinion he is representing change.

--What is being said, argued and/or requested?Patrick Henry is very displeased with the conditions of his home colony and is trying to make a point to the king that, if necessary, the colonists were of enough number that they could start a war with the British and pretty much outnumber them. Although Henry sounds like he is opposed to war, he states, "The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat sir, let it come." The Christianity among the colonists, Henry believes, will supply them with enough friends and colonists to fight the battle and that God will provide that for them.

How is it being said, argued and/or requested?--When reading this document, I noticed that Patrick Henry repeated himself when stating what he felt very passionate about, for example, "[...] --we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight!" The document is being stated in a very passionate and opinionated manner. It is also very persuasive in the sense that he is directing it toward the king.

What proof, and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?--Basically, Patrick Henry wanted liberty not only for himself, but for the whole colony, and what better way then this? He clearly shows his concern and care over this matter and wants change just as much as he wants life. He states that, "Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence ans insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne!" Everything that they have tried to do to change the British minds has gone unnoticed or has failed. War was the only way out when it came to freedom and liberty. Therefore, Patrick Henry was threatening that he either wanted liberty RIGHT THEN, or death during war.